What followed was a two-hour set performed by the N.C. Jazz Repertory Orchestra, a 10-year-old ensemble of 17 musicians from across the state.
This show wasn't Kenny G. It wasn't elevator jazz. This was big-band music, with horns blaring, drums crashing and bass as huge as the rhythms it created. Simultaneously, the music was smooth and laid-back, falling just shy of a rambunctious speakeasy image.
The concert was dedicated to the work of late jazz greats Charles Mingus and Oliver Nelson, whose recently published music has provided new material for the orchestra's repertoire.
"These guys are more contemporary," said tenor saxophone player Wally West. "It's exciting for the audience and musicians to have something different to play and to listen to."
For each song, the ensemble fluctuated between soloing and unified playing. The various individual efforts included horn melodies, drum solos and a bass intro alternating between high and low notes. The supporting musicians either were silent during one player's moment in the spotlight or made minimal contributions.
At one point, the drummer kept beat on the cymbals alone, providing a metallic "clickity-click" for the song's backbone. Later, a soloing saxophonist was clapped on by the rest of the musicians. This was an audio snapshot of the entire band's exuberance regarding the expression of an individual.
This pattern continued throughout the night, climaxing in a composition that featured three saxophonists interweaving soaring improvisation. The entire group reunified in a boisterous finale which drained into audience ovation.
The show marked a successful undertaking of a new challenge for the group.
"(Mingus' and Nelson's work) feels like it's untouchable music," said James Ketch, cofounder of the orchestra and director of jazz studies at the University. "It gives you a high playing it."
